Foldable traveling container



Feb. 4, 1964 A. RILEY 3,120,297

FOLDABLE TRAVELING CONTAINER Filed Aug. 6, 1965 FIG. 1.

I NVENTOR.

ANTO/A/ETTE R/LEY A B a e ATTORNEYS f/Aze/s, K/Ecfi, P055111. 6i: KER/VUnited States Patent 3,123,27 FGLDABLE TRAVELING CGNTAEJER AntoinetteRiley, R9. Box 124, Blythe, Calif. Filed Aug. 6, i963, Ser. No. 30%,293Claims. (Q1. 199-43) The present invention relates in general to whatmight be termed a piece of luggage and, more particularly to acompartmented container which may be folded into a compact bundle orpackage while traveling, but which may be hung, in unfolded condition,from a suitable support to provide ready access to all of thecompartments thereof.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a traveling container,capable of being folded while traveling and of being hung in unfoldedcondition for ready access, which includes a series of envelope-like,compartmented container sections detachably interconnected inedge-to-edge relation so that the number and/ or types of containersections in the series may be varied in accordance with the numberand/or types of articles to be packed. Thus, for a short trip, thefoldable traveling container of the invention may include only two orthree container sections, while, for longer trips, three, four, or more,may be used. Also, different types of the container sections of theinvention may be used for different types of trips.

Still more specifically, an important obiect of the invention is toprovide a foldable traveling container which includes: a series ofcontainer sections each having at least one compartment therein; meansfor pivotally and detachably interconnecting the contm'ner sections ofthe series in edge-to-edge relation so that the traveling container maybe folded with the container sections in stacked relation, and so thatthe container sections may be interconnected and disconnected asrequired to vary the number thereof in the series; and means connectedto an end container section of the series for hanging the travelingcontainer vertically in unfolded condition to render accessible thecompartments in all of the container sections in the series.

Another object of the invention is to provide envelopelike,compartmented container sections which are flexible, being made of asuitable fabric, plastic, or the like, and which have their oppositeedges reinforced by rigid reinforcing elements, the means for pivotallyand detachably interconnecting the container sections being connected tosuch rigid re nforcing elements, and the means for hanging the travelingcontainer in unfolded condition also being connected to one of thereinforcing elements in an end container section of the series.

Another object is to cover the pivotal means interconnecting thecontainer sections so as to conceal same and so as to prevent possibledamage thereby to articles packed in the container sections.

The foregoing objects, advantages, features and results of the presentinvent-ion, together with various other objects, advantages, featuresand results thereof which will be evident to those skilled in theluggage art, may be achieved with the exemplary embodiment of theinvention described in detail hereinafter and illustrated in theaccompanying drawing, in which:

PEG. 1 is a front elevational view of a foldable traveling container ofthe invention hung vertically in unfolded condition;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view, on a reduced scale, showing the travelingcontainer of the invention in folded condition;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary elevational view showing a means forpivotally and detachably interconnecting two container sections of theinvention; and

F amaze? Patented Feb. 4, 1984- FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional viewtaken along the arrowed line 44 of FIG. 3 of the drawing.

The foldable traveling container of the invention is designatedgenerally by the numeral 10 in the drawing and is shown, for purposes ofillustration, as including four flexible, envelope-like, compartmentedcontainer sections 12, l4, l6 and 18 which are pivotally interconnectedin edge-to-edge relation so that the traveling container may be hungvertically in unfolded condition to render the compartments in all ofthe container sections readily accessible, as shown in FIG. 1, or may befolded with the container sections in stacked, side-by-side relation toform a compact bundle or package for traveling, as shown in FIG. 2. Thecontainer sections 12, 14, 16 and 13 are also detachably interconnectedso that they may be used in various numbers and combinations as requiredby the natures of the articles to be packed therein.

The container sections 12, 14, 16 and 18 may have various constructions.For example, they may include backings of fabric, plastic, or the like,faced on their front sides with pocket-like compartments, such as thecompartments Ell, 22, 24, 26, 23 and 30 of the container section 12.Preferably, the front walls of the pocket-like compartments aretransparent so that the articles packed therein are readily visible.Such transparent pocket-like compartments may readily be formed bysewing, or otherwise securing, transparent plastic sheets of appropriatesizes and shapes to the backings of the respective container sections12, 14-, 16 and 18.

It will be noted that the container sections 12, 14, 16 and 18 are ofdifferent types in the sense that they have different numbers and/ orarrangements of pocket-like compartments on the front sides thereof,container sections with other numbers and/ or arrangements of pocketlikecompartments also being possible.

As will be discussed in more detail hereinafter, the container sections12., 14, 16 and 18, or other similar container sections which are notshown, may be combined in various numbers and combinations to provide afoldable traveling container it suitable for any trip length, long orshort, or any type of trip. For example, if it is desired to pack manydifferent small articles, the foldable traveling container it) of theinvention may be made up of two, three, or more, container sections likethe section 18, for example. Alternatively, if only a few types ofrelatively large articles are to be packed, container sections like thesection 16 may be used. In most instances, however, a mixture ofcontainer-section types is preferable, thereby permitting packing of amixture of small and large articles.

Turning now to a more detailed consideration of the structure of thefoldable traveling container 10, only the manner of hanging the seriesof container sections 12, 14, i6 and 13 (or a smaller or larger numberof container sections), and the detachable pivotal interconnectionbetween two of the container sections, e.g., the container sections 12.and 14, will be discussed, it being understood that identical detachablepivotal interconnections between container sections may be usedthroughout the entire series.

Considering the foldable traveling container 1% hanging vertically inits unfolded condition, as shown in FIG. 1, the upper and lower edges ofthe container section 12 are reinforced by rigid reinforcing elements 32and 34, respectively, and the upper and lower edges of the con tainersection 14 are similarly reinforced by rigid reinforcing elements 36 and33, respectively. These reinforcing elements may be secured to theirrespetcive container sections in various ways. Conveniently, eachreinforcing element is merely inserted through loops in thecorresponding container-section edge, the loops corresponding to theupper reinforcing element 32 of the container section 12 beingdesignated by the reference numerals 4%, 42, 44 and 46. These loops maybe extensions of the flexible backing of the container section 12 havingtheir free ends stitched, or otherwise secured, to the backing,preferably on the front side thereof.

To permit hanging the foldable' traveling container vertically in itsunfolded condition, as shown in FIG. 1 of the drawing, an endcontainersection of the series, in this case the container section 12, isprovided with suspension means 5% engageable with a hook, not shown, orany other suitable support. In the particular construction illustrated,the suspension means Si) is shown as being a bridle-type device securedto the upper reinforcing element 32 of the container section 12 at threepoints, and provided with a ring 52 for engagement with 'a hook, forexample. However, other suspension means may be used.

Considering the manner in which the container sections 12 and 14 arepivotally and detachably interconnected, the lower reinforcing elementas of the container section 12 and the upper reinforcing element 36 ofthe container section 14 are interconnected in this. manner at threepoints, one such interconnection being shown in detail in FIGS. 3 and 4of the drawing. Referring thereto, the container section 12 is shown asprovided with spaced loops 6% and 62 through which the reinforcingelement 34 extends, and the container section i4 is shown as similarlyprovided with loops 64 and 65 through which the reinforcing element 36extends. At a point between the loops 69 and s2 and between the loops64- and 66, the reinforcing elements 34 and 36 are interconnected by awire clip 68 shown as having a closed loop 79 receiving the reinforcingelement 34 and an open, U-shaped loop 72 removably receiving thereinforcing element 36. it will be noted that while the wire clip 68more or less rigidly interconnects the reinforcing elements 34 and 36,the container sections 12 and 14- can still pivot relative to each otherbetween stacked and unstacked positions as the result of flexing of.

the loops so, 62, .64 and 66. Whenever it is desired to detach thecontainer section 14 from the container section 12, this is accomplishedreadily by withdrawing the upper reinforcing element 36 of the containersection 14 from the open loop 72 of the wire clip 63.

It will be understood that the foregoing construction may be utilized atall of the points of interconnection between the various containersections 12, 14, 16 and 18, or other, similar container sections. Thus,the desired detachable pivotal interconnections between the containersections are provided, such interconnections permitting folding andunfolding of the traveling container 19, and permitting ready assemblyor disassembly of the container sections in varying the number and/orarrangement of container sections.

Preferably, the various wire clips 63 are covered both for concealmentpurposes, and to prevent the clips from damaging articles packed in thetraveling container it), or injury to the user. As shown in FIGS. 3 and4, the flexible backing of the container section 12 is provided with anextension 74 adapted to be looped around the exposed portions of thereinforcing elements 34 and 36, and the wire clip 6?, and to be securedin such looped condition by a snap fastener comprising male and femaleparts 76 and 78.

In addition to the foregoing container sections 12, 14-, 16 and 13, thetraveling container may include a detachable supplementary containersection t having several small compartments with transparent front wallsfor such items as jewelry, for example. The container section 9% may bedetachably mounted on any of the other container sections, e.g., thesection 12, in any suitable manner, as by hooks and eyes 92, or thelike.

It is thought that the use of the foldable traveling container it) willbe obvious from the drawing and the forc going description, so that onlya brief summary is neces- 4 sary. In order to pack articles in thetraveling container it), it is preferably suspended from a hook, orother suitable support, in its unfolded condition, as shown in FIG. 1 ofthe drawing. Under such conditions, the various compartments of thevarious containers are all readily accessible for packing.

When packing of the traveling container It has been completed, thetraveling container 10 may be folded along the interconnections betweenthe container sections until the container sections are all stacked inside-by-side relation, as shown in FIG. 2 of the drawing. Preferably,the compartmented sides of the container sections are turned inwardly,only the flexible backings of the two outermost container sections beingexposed. The suspension means 55% is also folded within the resultingpackage or bundle. The folded traveling container 1 may be preventedfrom unfolding by encircling it with a couple of straps 89, as shown inPEG. 2. Alternatively, other means for securing the folded travelingcontainer 19 in its folded condition may be utilized. The foldedtraveling container it may be carried in its folded condition as aseparate piece of luggage, or it may be placed in a suitcase, or thelike.

When the traveler reaches his destination, the folded travelingcontainer 1% is unfolded and hung vertically in its unfolded condition.from a suitable support engaged by the suspension means 5%. Under theseconditions, all of the compartments of the various container sectionsare exposed for ready access to the articles packed therein.

Although an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been disclosedherein for purposes of illustration, it will be understood that variouschanges, modifications and substitutions may be incorporated in suchembodiment without departing from the spirit of the invention as.defined by the annexed claims.

I claim:

1. In a foldable traveling container, the combination of:

(a) a series of container'sections each having at least one compartmenttherein; (17) means for pivotally and detachably interconnecting saidcontainer sections of said series in edge-toedge relation so that saidtraveling container may be folded with said container sections instacked relation, and so that said container sections may beinterconnected and disconnected as required to vary the number thereofin said series; and

(0) means connected to an end container section of said series forhanging said traveling container verrtically in unfolded condition torender accessible said compartments in all of said container sections insaid series.

2. In a foldable traveling container, the combination of:

(a) a series of flexible container sections each having at least onecompartment therein;

(12) means for pivotally and detachably interconnecting said containersections of said series in edge-toedge relation so that said travelingcontainer may i 06 folded with said container sections in stackedrelation, and so that said container sections maybe interconnected anddisconnected as required to vary the number thereof in said series; and

(0) means connected to an end container section of said series forhanging said traveling container vertically in unfolded condition torender accessible said compartments in all of said container sections insaid series. 7

3. In a foldable traveling container, the combination of:

(a) a series of flexible container sections each having at least onecompartment therein;

(11) rigid reinforcing elements extending along opposite edges,respectively, of each of said container sections;

(c) means engaging said reinforcing elements for pivotally anddetachably interconnecting said container sections of said series inedge-to-edge relation so that said traveling container may be foldedwith said container sections in stacked relation, and so that saidcontainer sections may be interconnected and disconnected as required tovary the number thereof in said series; and

(d) means connected to said reinforcing element of an end containersection of said series for hanging said traveling container verticallyin unfolded condition to render accessible said compartments in all ofsaid container sections in said series.

4. In a foldable traveling container, the combination or":

(a) a series of flexible container sections each having at least onecompartment therein;

(12) rigid reinforcing elements extending along opposite edges,respectively, of each of said container sections;

(0) means engaging said reinforcing elements for pivotally anddetachably interconnecting said container sections of said series inedge-to-edge relation so that said traveling container may be foldedwith said container sections in stacked relation, and so that saidcontainer sections may be interconnected and disconnected as required tovary the number thereof in said series;

(d) means connected to a said reinforcing element of an end containersection or" said series for hanging said traveling container verticallyin unfolded condition to render accessible said compartments in all ofsaid container sections in said series; and

(e) means for covering the pivotal interconnecting reams of subparagraph(c) hereof.

5. In a foldable traveling container, the combination of:

(a) a series of main container sections each having at least onecompartment therein;

'(b) a supplementary container section detachably mounted on one of saidmain container sections on the front side thereof;

(c) means for pivotally interconnecting said main container sections ofsaid series in edge-to-edge relation so that said traveling containermay be folded with said main and supplementary container sections instacked relation; and

(a') means connected to an end main container section of said series forhanging said traveling container vertically in unfolded condition torender accessible said compartments in all of said main andsupplementary container sections.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,513,514 London Oct. 28, 1924

1. IN A FOLDABLE TRAVELING CONTAINER, THE COMBINATION OF: (A) A SERIESOF CONTAINER SECTIONS EACH HAVING AT LEAST ONE COMPARTMENT THEREIN; (B)MEANS FOR PIVOTALLY AND DETACHABLY INTERCONNECTING SAID CONTAINERSECTIONS OF SAID SERIES IN EDGE-TOEDGE RELATION SO THAT SAID TRAVELINGCONTAINER MAY BE FOLDED WITH SAID CONTAINER SECTIONS IN STACKEDRELATION, AND SO THAT SAID CONTAINER SECTIONS MAY BE INTERCONNECTED ANDDISCONNECTED AS REQUIRED TO VARY THE NUMBER THEREOF IN SAID SERIES; AND(C) MEANS CONNECTED TO AN END CONTAINER SECTION OF SAID SERIES FORHANGING SAID TRAVELING CONTAINER VER-